Kaleider, Double Elephant Print Workshop, Le Navet Bete and Sound Gallery are all being earmarked for core arts funding from Exeter City Council.
The groups have never previously received core arts funding and along with Exeter Phoenix, Exeter Northcott, Theatre Alibi, Bikeshed Theatre and Spacex are being recommended a share of the core arts funding pot for 2015/16.
Cllr Rosie Denham, Lead Councillor for Economy and Culture, said: "This is the first time that we have opened up the process to all Exeter based arts organisations. In previous years we had supported just the main organisations within the city but we wanted to change the process so that anyone could apply.
A recommendation to support nine Exeter-based groups will now go before the Major Grants & New Homes Bonus Panel on 28 July and then to Executive in September.
Cllr Denham added: "We are aware that although we have encouraged more groups to apply for funding, the overall budget has remained the same. Inevitably, some groups will see a small reduction in funding but in doing so we will be expanding the cultural offering of the city.
"We recognise that these are challenging times but our ongoing financial support demonstrates our commitment to art and culture
and the value we place on the organisations that provide the facilities and events across the city."
The proposal is to give the following grants for 2015/16:
Exeter Phoenix £92,000
Exeter Northcott £62,500
Theatre Alibi £15,360
Double Elephant Print Workshop £10,000
Bikeshed Theatre £10,000
Kaleider £8,000
Spacex £8,000
Le Navet Bete £5,000
Sound Gallery £5,000
